What do Police Background Investigators Ask References?
When applying for a law enforcement position, a thorough background investigation is typically conducted to ensure that the candidate is suitable for the role. As part of this process, police agencies often contact references provided by the applicant to gather additional information about their character, work ethic, and professional conduct. But what specifically do police background investigators ask references?
Character Questions
Police background investigators are primarily interested in verifying the information provided by the candidate and gaining insight into their character. They may ask references questions such as:
- Can you tell me about [Candidate Name]’s work habits? Are they reliable, punctual, and attentive to detail?
- How would you describe [Candidate Name]’s problem-solving skills? Can they think critically and come up with effective solutions?
- Has [Candidate Name] ever demonstrated questionable judgment or behavior? If so, can you provide specific examples?
These questions help investigators assess the candidate’s professionalism, decision-making skills, and willingness to follow rules and guidelines.
Work-Related Questions
Background investigators also ask references about the candidate’s work performance, team dynamics, and leadership abilities. Some examples of work-related questions include:
- Can you describe [Candidate Name]’s supervisory style? Were they effective in leading or managing others?
- How did [Candidate Name] handle conflicts or disputes with colleagues or supervisors? Were they able to resolve issues professionally and diplomatically?
- Would you recommend [Candidate Name] for a promotion or leadership role? What specific qualities or skills would they bring to such a position?
These questions allow investigators to evaluate the candidate’s work ethic, adaptability, and ability to work collaboratively with others.
Personal Questions
Police background investigators may also ask references about the candidate’s personal life, family dynamics, and any personal issues that could impact their ability to perform their job duties. Some examples of personal questions include:
- Can you tell me about [Candidate Name]’s family situation? Are they married, in a relationship, or a single parent?
- Has [Candidate Name] ever been involved in a domestic dispute or had issues with family members? If so, how did they resolve the situation?
- Does [Candidate Name] have any serious health concerns or physical disabilities that could impact their job performance? If so, how do they manage their condition?
These questions help investigators assess the candidate’s personal stability, maturity, and ability to prioritize their responsibilities.
Can You Provide Specific Examples?
Background investigators often request specific examples or anecdotes from references to support their responses. This can include instances where the candidate demonstrated:
- Exceptional behavior or performance: Examples of outstanding work, leadership, or teamwork.
- Challenging situations or conflicts: How the candidate handled difficult situations, crises, or conflicts.
- Personal or professional struggles: How the candidate coped with personal or professional setbacks, and what they learned from the experience.
These specific examples provide context and help investigators evaluate the candidate’s character, judgment, and ability to function in a high-pressure environment.
What to Expect During a Reference Check
When a police agency conducts a background investigation, candidates should be prepared to:
- Provide accurate contact information: Ensure that your references are aware that an investigator may be contacting them and provide their correct contact information.
- Discuss your work and personal life: Be prepared to provide detailed information about your job performance, work habits, and personal life.
- Be honest and truthful: Provide accurate and complete information about your background, and be prepared to support your claims with specific examples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, police background investigators ask references a wide range of questions to assess the candidate’s character, work ethic, and professional conduct. By understanding what types of questions are typically asked, candidates can better prepare themselves for the reference check process and ensure that they present themselves in the best possible light.
Tips for References
- Be honest and truthful: Provide accurate and complete information about the candidate’s qualifications, work habits, and personal life.
- Be specific: Provide specific examples or anecdotes to support your responses.
- Keep the conversation professional: Avoid gossip or negative talk about the candidate or colleagues.
- Follow up: If you’re asked to provide additional information, follow up promptly to ensure that the investigator has what they need.
FAQs
- Do I need to provide professional references only? Yes, it’s recommended to provide professional references who are familiar with your work ethic, skills, and job performance.
- How many references should I provide? Typically, 2-3 professional references are sufficient.
- Can I provide personal references? While personal references can be helpful, they may not be as useful as professional references in verifying your qualifications and work performance.
By understanding what to expect during a reference check and preparing accordingly, candidates can increase their chances of success in the law enforcement hiring process.
